The examination of the assosaciation between marital satisfaction, psychological flexibility and self compassion

The aim of this study is to examine the associations between marital satisfaction, psychological flexibility and self-compassion of married individuals and to test the predictive effects of psychological flexibility and self-compassion on marital satisfaction. The sample of the study comprises 565 married individuals (330 women and 235 men) residing in various provinces across Türkiye. The research employed both descriptive and correlational research designs to examine the relationships among the variables. Research data were collected with the Marital Life Scale (MLS), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire Form-Ⅱ (AAQ-Ⅱ), SelfCompassion Scale (SCS), and Demographic Information Form. In the data analysis, t-test and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to examine differences in marital satisfaction, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion levels based on participants' demographic characteristics. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between marital satisfaction, psychological flexibility and self-compassion. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the level of prediction of marital satisfaction by psychological flexibility and self-compassion. The study concluded that marital satisfaction was higher among male participants, those married for less than one year, and those without children. Additionally, self-compassion was greater among participants with higher incomes and those married for more than ten years. Psychological flexibility showed no significant variation based on demographic characteristics. The study also revealed moderately positive correlations between marital satisfaction, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion. Both psychological flexibility and self-compassion, independently and together, were significant predictors of marital satisfaction. These two psychological factors accounted for 24.2% of the variance in marital satisfaction scores. The research findings have been discussed in conjunction with the results of studies in the existing literature, and recommendations have been provided. KEYWORDS: Marital Satisfaction, Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Inflexibility, Self-Compassion